About Us

History

The Lydian Singers were formed as a female choir in 1985. The founding Musical Director was Alison Fraser and Helen Boyle was the choir’s first accompanist. After Alison’s retirement 10 years later, the choir was re-formed in 1995 as “The New Lydian Singers” under the direction of Ronald Cochrane. Musical Directors Fiona McIntosh and Mary Veal then followed before Helen M Addison held the role from 2005 for eight years. Ann Duffus was accompanist for a number of years. In 2009, Ann retired and Helen Boyle returned as the choir’s accompanist. It was also in that year that the choir was renamed “Lydian Singers”. William (Bill) Boyle, “picked up the baton” at the start of the 2013 season. Bill and Helen retired in 2017, with Susan Cassidy replacing Bill as director with Marie-Clare Murphie as accompanist. In 2018, the Choir welcomed Mike Ellacott as accompanist.

The Choir

The current membership of the Lydians is 39 ladies – 19 sopranos, 10 second sopranos, and 10 altos. Membership is open to all ladies over 16 years of age. New members are always welcome. Practices can be challenging but fun. Twice a year social events are organised to enable members to relax together. We are members of the National Association of Choirs.

Practice Venue

Weekly rehearsals are held in St Luke & Queen St Church, 5 West Queen Street, Broughty Ferry DD5 1AR.

Music

The choir librarian distributes the required music for rehearsals (along with a concert folder) to each member. Cost of music is covered by subscriptions. All we ask is that all members treat the sheet music with due care and return it to the librarian when requested.

Events

Our two main annual performances take place at Christmas and late spring. The Christmas concert is held centrally in a Dundee Church and the Marryat Hall has been the latest venue for our spring concerts. We do also receive a number of evening invitations to perform locally for various groups and gatherings. A concert party, consisting of some of the Lydian soloists, represent us at informal afternoon performances.

Charities

Each year after our Christmas Concert a donation is made to a nominated charity. Past examples include. Multiple Sclerosis Society, Tayside Deaf Children, Maggies’ Centre, Frances Wright Assoc., Epilepsy Society, Alzheimers Scotland, Age Concern Dundee, Young Carers’ Project, Spectrum, St Andrew’s Family Project.

Rehearsal Information

Venue:	St Luke & Queen St Church, 5 West Queen Street,  Broughty Ferry DD5 1AR
Time:	Wednesday evenings (7pm – 9pm) from September to May (breaks for Christmas and Easter)